R' Chaim, Mazel Tov!!

At first afar, we saw you come,
On roads we'd known and traveled on, 
The road then widened, we saw a light,
You walked along, you held on tight

We thought you leaned on our deeds,
In daytime pause and nighttime reads,
But then we saw the road was new,
With blaze ahead our vision grew

Oh, that we stay on this new road..
Oh, that the blaze and light untold..
Oh, that we cherish, always hold..
These destinations of the soul!

With love from Grodno - img

Heiligeh Oigen, you've reached a milestone grand,
A year of purity, with strength you stand.
Your dedication shines, a guiding light,
In kedusha's field, you've soared to great height.

As a rebbe, your wisdom is truly rare,
Your impact on others, beyond compare.
We thank you for your leadership, steadfast and kind,
In the pursuit of holiness, you are refined.

As a rebbe, you've inspired us to grow,
Your wisdom and kindness, a steady flow.
You lead the pack with love and care,
In the realm of holiness, you're truly rare.

Your impact on our lives, can't be measured,
Your teachings and guidance, they've truly treasured.
May your journey inspire others to find,
The path to kedusha, as pure and kind.

Your talmid,
Yiftach'l

A beacon alit, seen through the rolling waves
A warm hand, a hug, eyes ablaze
a legend of support, giving nights and days
Opinions strong, fearless guidance through the maze

Behind the linguist, a heart so soft
Offering counsel, holding so many aloft
Honest with his past, of the present so proud
Witty posts that inspire, on occasion quite loud

May Hashem help you traverse the challenge you hint at
A tzibbur here, for you, ready to go to bat,
Ask us to pray, names not needed indeed
Our dear hugging Master's heart should not bleed

Mazel tov on a year, a circle complete
In shomayim a celebration for an awesome feat
May you be blessed with nachas gezunt and parnassa
 And with your GYE mentoring, heaping doses of hatzlacha

Hashem Help Me wrote on 15 May 2024 11:22:

I feel compelled to respond as I’m new here and am just getting my first tastes at the rarified air and devotion of the mentors here that leave my mouth agape and heart aflame. 

having just begun my journey anew
im floored by the love here and support for every jew
the mentors are the masters of the maze
teaching us all how to overcome this craze
they know the challenge, the guilt and shame,
enlightening and prompting change in perspective - avoiding self blame.
taking time out of their busy days to help us all here
 must be the greatest nachas to give our Father and he’s sure to hold dear
may you all see endless success and soar to greater height
and never deal again with this challenge and fright 
we should together be zoche to greet
moshiach tzidkeinu 
bimheira b’yameinu 

Muttel

i honor of the rebirthday of R' Chaim,
i would suggest anyone that has not learned through this thread, to go through it today,
and those that went through it, make a chazara.

thank you for sticking around and inspiring so many of us!

Wow. 
Just a while ago I would see that post and think to myself, that’s impossible no way someone can go a full yr like that. But slowly over time reading posts trying things out myself this is getting to be more of a possibility and closer to reality. It’s Very encouraging seeing people really fighting the beast. I can/and will do it also.  Thank you

It all started swift
With a howl of courage
And a pajama quip
That sparked some outrage

But here was he
Ready for the occasion
Never one to flee
An opportunity for introspection

A giant emerges
A leader of men
With wisdom, wit and a withering pen

With a blanket of empathy
And a cup of comfort
Encouraging dear friends
To please make the effort

From difficult sugyas
To Friday Night Blues
With the Rebbe CO
There's something to muse

All hail the chief
Who inspires us all
To be better men
To stare down a fall

A calendar year
Now talk about goals
Look who's in charge
In total control

Your clarity and vision
Your outstretched arm
You hit with precision
Your voice, what a balm

Another year to tackle
But this time with ease
Free of your shackle 
You now hold the keys

Dearest friend and inspiration, strength and support, light and powerhouse, our dear friend Reb CO,

Mazal tov on the year, and on all that it represents. On the greatness you've attained, growing so unbelievably. On the wisdom you've shared with us, pushing us to really think. In English we say: KEEP ON TRUCKING!

There are so many things I want to say. Emotions overtake me. There are thoughts I want to share. There's a heart I want to bare. Yet, out in the open, for all to hear...but I still want you to know. And I know that you already do.

Because, as you surely know, ah hartz shpeert ah hartz.

Oy, how you know.

Ah hartz shpeert ah hartz

My friend, dear, dear friend, who's friendship has stood by me so many times, through thick and thin, who's wise advice has impacted so many areas of my life, I have not sufficient words to thank you, to thank the RBSO for orchestrating that our paths have crossed. My heart swells with pride that I count among your friends. May the RBSO give you the clarity and strength to grow through the challenges you currently face, and the peace and presence of mind to continue all your avodas hakodesh.

Friend, we are always here for you

With tears in my eyes,
Eternally grateful,
Eerie

I as I lay awake last night on YouTube, (Bah Humbugitty Doo)
I saw your post come in; my heart did fill with simcha for you

For although I’m still trapped in Lilith’s firm grip
I read your words, as you truck on your Trip

And hope to me it did give, for my heart oh so weary
That through those days, dark and dreary,

Light and good things can be reborn again
It’s not a question of if, but when

So, my dear friend, if you’re ever feeling like Toad, Alone,
In that tempest sea of life, lurk dark creatures of ice and stone

Loch Ness-like eels who grab you, and frighten
Crabs with sharp pincers abound, they are bitin’

Remember this, The Elder Wand you possess,
Not Thestral hair, for that’s really worthless

It's not the wand that makes the wizard, sorry Ollivander,
Pieces of wood and Phoenix feathers, are merely dander

Your true power lies in being a Jew
Possessing a soul of white fire, the Chosen few

With the Hallows of Torah, Avodah and Prayer,
You can get through it all, layer by layer

Dear Chaimoigen, I wish for you
A life of happiness, to be a good Jew

Help many, as you’ve helped me and others,
With counsel and heart, so that porn no longer bothers

Thank you!!! Keep on Trucking,

With that old magic called love,

-Tom

I'm not even going to try to compete with all that magnificent poetry....

Just wanted to wish you Mazel Tov and happy/birthday/anniversary(/yorhzeit?)

May you continue growing and inspiring (and monstuh trucking!)

Stan

Mazal tov! Keep inspiring us, helping others, and never become complacent! The yh doesn't give up too easily.

It was a very long day. And I just came on GYE to see what I can see. And I am overwhelmed by your outpouring of warmth, encouragement, love and support. 

What would I do without you, Chevra?

Ben, thanks for reminding about the pajamas! I miss Cordnoy, I owe him a lot. We all do, I feel. 

Frank.lee - thanks for the reminder about complacency. I appreciate it. Tonight I had to go on a dangerous site and I texted a friend before and after…. 

Stan- I need to borrow your ride….

Walking a dark and lonesome maze 
     searching for direction 
           an unexpected text, a call
A sign of friendship. They all make a real difference. 
         Then came strident unexpected knocking
           burning eyes appear in a smiling face 
        come from afar, 
Other, deep dark eyes watching knowingly. Understanding. 

When there are no words, only a hug will do. 

When only a hug will do, there are no words. 

A haven for life’s pain is the safe harbour of true friendship, solace in the stormy seas. 

Yeah, you knew it, Iyov. Chavrusa Oy Misusa. 

Thank you both, from my hearts depths.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.  

Sunday June 2, 2024
Hod Shebiyesod, Tashpad

I thought I wouldn’t need to ask for help, 
I thought I could make it alone
But I stumbled alone in lonesomest night, 
and stretched out my hands for help in the fight
….  I can’t believe how much I’ve grown. 

A year has gone by and I don’t know myself 
The shape of my life, rearranged 
I can deal with my pain without numbing red haze
I can stare at the darkness and still face the day 
….. I can’t believe how much I’ve changed. 

The sweetness of living with my partner in all
Has found a new depth and new meaning
Intertwined hearts and a bedroom that works 
An intimate space that’s healed of deep hurts 
… closeness that’s whole and is gleaming 

My Tefiilos are different, my Tallis still white 
I feel that I stand in His grace 
My words (mostly) unfouled, I am in clean clothing 
My heart is untroubled by shame and self-loathing 
…. I can look myself straight in the face. 

To you, fellow brothers, dear friends, and supports 
let our hands join, and encircle the earth 
This ladder we’re climbing, it pierces the sky
With hope and with living; ascending on High
As souls that were broken
                              … discover rebirth. 

אודה ה מאוד בפי ובתוך רבים אהללנו 
כי יעמוד לימין אביון להושיעו משופטי נפשו 
ומה אשיב לכל ידידי וחבירי 
שלי שלכם. 

באהבה רבה 
ורוב תודה, 
מאן דבעי חיים 

What a masterpiece!   I am so honored to have an incredible friend like you.